Switzerland Travel

The function for listening to selected text requires JavaScript MySwitzerland.com - Switzerland Tourism | hiking, biking, festivals, road art, excursions, expositions, art and architecture, ski resort, travel switzerland, ski vacation, winter vacation, switzerland vacation, switzerland hotel, ski trip, mountain resort, switzerland tour, winter holidays, winter resort, swiss, family vacation, switzerland, mountain vacation, Bern, swiss vacation packages, switzerland vacation switzerland vacation, business center, business tourism, family resorts, health hotel-Switzerland Tourism SWITZERLAND MAP SERVICES Regions, Destinations Accommodation Restaurants Events, News Travel Tips Travel Community Weather, Snow reports Newsletter subscription Links Webcams, Movies, eCards Order Brochures Food & Wine Shopping Official Partners EXPERIENCES Winter Spa Alpine Summer Purely Switzerland Hiking & Cycling Family Vacations Golf City Breaks Gay & Lesbian Art & Architecture Gastronomy & Wine Luxury & Design 200 Excursions Traditions, Culture, Unesco Scenic Tours Meetings, Incentives HOME CONTACT MEDIA TRADE CHOOSE LANGUAGE -- FOR YOUR JOURNEY » Accommodation » Brochures » Travel Tips » Weather NEWS , WINTER » News in Switzerland » Current events Top events in the next few weeks. » Advent & Christmas in Switzerland » Winter snow-how Unforgettable winter holidays. » Winter events » Winter offers » Snow reports BOOK A HOTEL IN - Select a City - Basel,Switzerland Bern, Switzerland Brig, Switzerland Chur, Switzerland Davos, Switzerland Engelberg, Switzerland Geneva, Switzerland Grindelwald, Switzerland Gstaad, Switzerland Interlaken, Switzerland Lausanne, Switzerland Lucerne, Switzerland Lugano, Switzerland Montreux, Switzerland St. Moritz, Switzerland Zermatt, Switzerland Zurich, Switzerland Check-In Date: Check-Out Date: Number of Adults 1 2 3 4 THIS IS HOW TO FIND » winter holiday resorts » open winter resorts » tailor-made hiking tracks » seminar and meeting locations » rated vacation apartments » wellness hotels TRANSPORT Tickets for travel by train, bus and boat Fly SWISS to Switzerland Car rental by Europcar TRAVEL COMMUNITY » Travel Journals NEWSLETTER » Subscribe FIND A TRAVEL AGENT Find a Switzerland Specialist travel agent near you ( what's that? ): » GO Special Features » Books and Travel Guides » Swiss Embassy REGIONS Basel Region Bernese Oberland Central Switzerland Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein Fribourg Region Geneva Graubnden Lake Geneva Region (Vaud) Neuchtel / Jura / Jura Bernois Schweizer Mittelland Ticino Valais Zurich Region SPECIAL OFFERS Best Western Early Bird Special Book your Best Western Hotel early and get up to 30% discount. more » OTHER OFFERS: » Go where your heart desires Chose from "themed" packages for some of Switzerland's most popular ski resorts. From $ 946. » Super Ski Weeks at super prices. Get a deal on your next winter vacation in Switzerland. » Winter in the city Swiss cities have much to offer in the winter. » special price in Zermatt - Hotel Adonis 2 ? 7 nights from 07 January until the 18 February 2006 for the special price of CHF 95.- / EUR 61.- / USD 72.- per person in a single or double room including breakfast, taxe and service. » Wintersport in Engelberg - Hotel Europe Conquer the slopes ! 3 nights including breakfast and 2 days skipass for CHF 368.-/EUR 239.-/USD 282.- per person in a double room. As from 01.01.06 » Finest Wellness in Montreux - Raffles Le Montreux Palace The great RafflesAmrita Wellness and the atmosphere during the christmas days are worth a visit in Montreux. Welnesspackage with one overnight for CHF 394.-/EUR 256.-/USD 304.- per person in a double room » Free skipass in Zermatt - Hotel Elite 2 nights including a one day skipass for free in the centrally located 3-star hotel in Zermatt.CHF 170.-/EUR 110.-/USD 130.- per person in a double room. As from 07.01.06 » Snowfun in Switzerland - Engelberg Hit the slopes from $1058. » Snowfun in Switzerland - Grindelwald Hit the slopes from $963. » Snowfun in Switzerland - Interlaken Hit the slopes from $845. » All Special Offers Information about Swiss Quality ©2005 SWITZERLAND TOURISM : About us : Privacy Statement

Europe Travel 101 -

Taking the Train in Europe - Rail Travel Info from Europe for Visitors  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Taking the Train in Europe What you need to know about rail travel in Europe. Is taking the train better than taking a car? Well, it depends on what you want to see. Here are a few considerations: Train Travel Plusses Car Travel Plusses Trains allow you to move easily between cities and European capitals. Most train stations are located near the tourist centers and have hotels nearby. No parking worries. With an unrestricted Eurail Pass, you can get on and off when you wish, often without the hassle of dealing with ticketing agents. You can take the train on a rainy day just to see the scenery, without having to worry about the unscheduled expense. You can sleep on the train, saving travel time and some of the cost of a hotel. You can pay full attention to the scenery at hand--or read a book. You can meet with and talk to the locals--or get travel info from other travelers, while you're moving on to your next destination. It's easy to get to small, out-of-the-way towns and hidden romantic getaways. Go where you want, when you want. You don't have to go by someone else's timetable. Visit sites out in the countryside without having to sign up for an expensive tour. When in transit, you can leave your luggage in the car (albeit at some risk!) Many people can travel at the same cost. Train Travel Minuses Car Travel Minuses If you want to experience an event in the countryside, you'll most likely have to sign on to an expensive tour. Usually, two people travel for double what one person can travel for. A large family traveling on a train is usually quite a bit more expensive than renting a car, especially in northern Europe, where train fares tend to be higher. On the other hand, keeping young children entertained may be easier on the train. In a major city, you'll have to deal with parking and related fees, if you can figure out how to get to your destination in the first place. You'll have to deal with the worries involved with driving in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar rules. Young children may not like long journeys in the car. If you're traveling with a large group of people, want to visit small towns, and like to drive in Europe, then it's a no-brainer--you'll want to rent or lease a car . But if you're a single traveler or couple who wishes to visit the great capitals of Europe, then train travel might just be the best bet for you. There are options for people who want both experiences as well. A Rail 'n Drive Pass allows you to use both modes of transport. The EurailDrive ( buy direct or get information ) Pass, for example, allows you four days first class train travel and two full days of car rental over a two month period. Rail Passes If you're intent on seeing many large cities in a limited amount of time it might save you considerable money to purchase a rail pass. Most passes for European tourists require you to buy them ahead of time in your own country. In the '70s the issue was simple. You bought a Eurail Pass or you didn't. The pass was valid for a solid period. In other words, you bought a month's pass and it was good for unlimited first-class rail travel during that month--all you needed to do once you had your pass was to flash it at the conductor and go. Only if you wanted a sleeping compartment did you need to purchase a supplement. Lately the options have multiplied enormously. So have the complications in using and understanding them. See Rail Passes - Which Rail Pass is Right for Your Vacation . Rick Steves' How Railpasses Work is an excellent primer on getting to understand railpasses. Another good resource is The Backpackers Ultimate Guide to Rail Travel in Europe . You can purchase just about any pass you can think of from Rail Europe . And What if I want to see the countryside as well as the major cities? European trains go to many small cities and towns, but for the smaller towns not serviced by trains you'll often find a local bus making a round trip between your city and the town you wish to visit--busses scheduled so the locals can shop in the big city and get back before dark. Your best bet is to check out the bus stations in the city in which you're staying. Local bus lines with an Internet presence can be found at Budget Travel's excellent Europe Bus Transportation page. The other alternative is a tour. Huge, lumbering busses can be seen on all roads in the most remote areas of Europe during the season. Check at the local tourist office or at your hotel check-in desk. For other transportation ideas, see our Transportation links. For scenic train routes, see Scenic Rail Journeys in Europe. For tips on buying tickets and riding the train, see 10 top train tips . From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...

Ski Vacation Almanac Adventure

Ski Vacations - National Geographic Adventure Magazine Ski Preview 2006 Select Past Sports 20 Sports Trips Swap Slogging the Fakahatchee Preseason Ski Trips Yoga Vs. Pilates Rafting Baja Trekking New Zealand Performance Candy Rock Climbing the Gunks Paddling Big Sur U.S. Climbing Spots Biking Across Alaska Latin American Surf Spots Paddling the Altiplano Skiing Tahoe's Backcountry The Grail Trails Climbing the Black Hills Biking the Inside Passage /0512/resources/sports_resources.html Gear of the Year: Gift Ideas Here are all the gotta-get-it items for savvy outdoor fanatics this holiday season. Gear gift ideas Audio Exclusive: Listen to Ed Viesturs Download an interview with our Adventurer of the Year, Ed Viesturs. Then read about ten other incredible athletes. Hear Ed Viesturs World-Class Outfitters Adventure -approved excursions for right now. Find a base camp, eco trip, or guided tour Video Exclusive : Climbing Icebergs Watch Will Gadd climb a crumbling iceberg off the coast of Labrador. See the ice climbing video King Kong in Rwanda To get into character, actor Andy Serkis, a.k.a. King Kong, sought out some ideal coaches: the mountain gorillas of Rwanda. Read the King Kong interview This Month's Stories Big-Cat Biologist Alan Rabinowitz Photo Gallery: Mongolia Road Trip: Puerto Rico Winter Weekend Getaways Ski Vacation Almanac Adventure Videos Paddling Croatia Climbing Icebergs Jaguars in Belize Ski Vacation Almanac: How to Ski All Year Long Text by Porter Fox Photograph by Aaron Black/Outdoor Collection/Aurora BOARD GAMES: Cutting through perfect powder on British Columbia's Blackcomb Mountain "Ski season" may be one of the great misnomers in winter sports, followed closely by "winter sports." If you have a yen for locking into your bindings and owning the slopes whenever the mood strikes (and vacation days permit), there's no time like the present, no matter the time of year. So tear out these pages and tuck them in your boot bag. Because somewhere, right now, the slopes are calling, and our perennial ski guide is the only answer you need. DECEMBER-FEBRUARY JANUARY-FEBRUARY MARCH-MAY JUNE-SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER-DECEMBER DECEMBER-FEBRUARY 1. Sestriere, Italy There's nothing like 100,000 cheering, gesticulating Italians on skis, but that's what you'll see when the 2006 Winter Olympics hit the slopes where Alberto Tomba won his first World Cup race in 1987. Sestriere, one of the highest and snowiest resorts in the Italian Alps, topping out at 9,262 feet (2,823 meters), will host the alpine skiing events from February 12 through February 25. Visit before, after, or during, and ski 248 miles (399 kilometers) of trails across six interconnected resorts. Test your limits on the renowned Kandahar downhill run, where Jean-Claude Killy and Ingemar Stenmark raced, or get a natural high watching the Olympic ski-jumping competition ( www.torino2006.com ). The Bargain : The Milky Way Ski Pass ($35 a day) offers entrée to six resorts, 66 lifts, and 5,000 vertical feet (1,524 vertical meters). The Digs : Most hotels are already full or raising rates, so pre-rent an apartment through Interhome ($330 a week; www.interhome.us ). The Eats : Agnolotti (meat dumplings) at nearby Tre Rubinetti , which serves up genuine northern Italian fare that isn't watered down (or priced up) for tourists. Start Here : www.comune.sestriere.to.it/e_index.htm 2. Silverton Mountain Ski Area, Colorado The canvas-tent base lodge is your first indication that Silverton Mountain is unlike any resort you've ever skied. Surely the grittiest and only completely backcountry-style ski mountain in the United States, Silverton requires guides for every skier ($99 a day) on its 1,600 acres (648 hectares) of prime San Juan Mountain wilds. With 400 inches (1,016 centimeters) of annual snowfall and a cap of 80 skiers a day, first tracks, even during holidays, are virtually guaranteed. A lone double chair, opened by resort visionary Aaron Brill in 2002, provides access to runs like the largely treeless Riff and the chute-to-bowl Ropedee-Dope. The Package : The three-day New Year's Party and Big Mountain Ski Camp ($750) puts you on the hill with the top freeskiers in the world. The Digs : Inn of the Rockies at the Historic Alma House ($79; www.innoftherockies.com ) is a peaceful Victorian hideaway with a hearty breakfast spread. The Hang : You will find Angus steaks, a Laundromat, and showers at the Explorer's Club Pub and Grille ( www.explorersclubsw.com ). Start Here : www.silvertonmountain.com JANUARY-FEBRUARY 3. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming The annual last-tram shivaree will be frantic this season: Jackson is decommissioning its iconic Rocky Mountain conveyance. For nearly 40 years the tram has transported skiers up one of the greatest continuous rises (4,139 feet) (1,262 meters) of any ski resort in the U.S. The granite-lined Corbet's Couloir and Rendezvous Bowl, plus thousands of acres of backcountry, will still be accessible next season, just check back for alternative transport info. The Thunder and Sublette quads will continue to access famous Jackson stashes like Paintbrush and Tower Three. Visit in January or February for "The Big One's" deepest snowfall. The Final Tram Run : Corbet's to Paintbrush to Lower Sublette Ridge gets you the most turns for your vertical. The Digs : Stay with former Olympians and local Jackson Holers Hans and Nancy Johnstone in one of the Alpine House's 22 pastel and Scandinavian-pine rooms ($120; www.alpinehouse.com ). The Freebie : You could almost eat for a week off the copious samples at Albertson's supermarket at the intersection of Route 191 and Highway 22. Start Here : www.jacksonhole.com 4. Jay Peak Resort, Vermont Where can you get 2,153 vertical feet (656 meters) of skiing, Powder 8 competitions, 355 inches (901 centimeters) of annual snowfall, open backcountry gates, a tram, and hair-raising terrain? Three and a half hours northwest of Boston, the unlikely powder Canaan of Jay Peak, Vermont, is the greatest anomaly in lower 48 skiing. Midwinter storms converge from the Champlain Valley, Great Lakes region, and St. Lawrence Valley to bestow seasons like 2001, when Jay Peak received 581 inches (1,476 centimeters). Eight lifts, including a 60-person tram and one detachable quad, rarely have lines and access 76 trails over 385 acres (156 hectares) of northern Vermont steeps. The Backcountry: Take Northway gate over to Big Jay for the steepest powder lines around. (Bring a guide.) The Powder Stash : Andre's Paradise Glade holds fresh tracks for days after a dump. The Digs : Get free lift tickets and ski to your private balcony at the no-frills Hotel Jay ($99; www.jaypeakresort.com ). Start Here : www.jaypeakresort.com MARCH-MAY 5. Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort, California There are two distinct advantages to spring skiing in a casino town. One: You can pay for your trip with a face card and an ace. Two: The early a.m. slopes are empty while the high rollers sleep it off. Overshadowed by its neighbors, Kirkwood and Squaw Valley, Heavenly's 3,500 vertical feet (1,067 vertical meters) of corned-up glades, bowls, and granite-slotted backcountry make it one of the best and least crowded spring destinations in the Golden State. After a night of blackjack at Harrah's, hit the Mott and Killebrew Canyon backcountry gates at their 9 a.m. opening for some of the steepest skiing in the Sierras. And you can experience the area's legendary melt-freeze cycle when the expansive Milky Way bowl softens up—just about the time the card sharks are rolling out of bed. The Spring-Break Moment: Slush Pond Mania during the first week of May is like a Warren Miller blooper clip gone hideously awry. The Digs : Harrah's Lake Tahoe ($89; www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/tah ) lures potential gamers with fair deals and big, clean rooms. The Skier's Fuel-Up : The eggs benedict at the Driftwood Café (+1 530 544 6545) are an edifying start to your day. Start Here : www.skiheavenly.com 6. Alyeska Resort, Alaska You know you've reached the big time when your chief dilemma is choosing between a heli, a snowcat, or a high-speed quad to reap the spoils of an Alaska blizzard. Or, you've simply arrived at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska, without a doubt the greatest spring skiing triple threat in the U.S. Plan A : Take the tram up 2,300 feet (701 meters) and shred the North Face, which receives up to 742 inches (1,885 centimeters) of snow a year. Plan B : Fly with Chugach Powder Guides ($775 a day; www.chugachpowderguides.com ) to access 750 square miles (1,207 square kilometers) of 50-degree couloirs, bowls, and Chugach fins. Plan C : Ride CPG's Bombardier snowcat ($225) during whiteout days for tree skiing in the upper Girdwood Valley. The Local Secret : The Sitzmark Bar and Grill at the base of Chair 3 is one of the few places where native Alaskans can be found at the resort. The Digs : Make your final run a quadruple-diamond with a night at the lavish, slopeside Alyeska Prince Hotel ($175; www.princehotels.co.jp/alyeska-e ). Start Here : www.alyeskaresort.com JUNE-SEPTEMBER 7. Portillo, Chile Don't expect nightlife, a base village, heated sidewalks, or ski caddies at South America's oldest ski resort, just 1,235 skiable acres (500 hectares) and 2,743 vertical feet (836 vertical meters) of treeless Andes smoke. The incarnation of skiers' summer dreams, runs like Roca Jack's wide-open apron are carved into the granite face of the mountain. Nearly limitless backcountry (powder-filled Primavera, for example) sits a boot pack away from the Roca Jack and Condor lifts and funnels back to the iconic Hotel Portillo ($1,100 a week). While the resort averages a mediocre 240 inches (610 centimeters) a year, big storms in August and September almost always dump powder. The Backcountry Must : 7,000-vertical-foot (2,134-vertical-meter) Super C couloir is the preeminent Portillo backcountry run. The Package : Sparse but convenient Inca Lodge ($450 a week; www.skiportillo.com ), where food and lift tickets are included. Start Here : www.skiportillo.com 8. Blackcomb, British Columbia The Ice Age is alive and well on Whistler Blackcomb's Horstman Glacier. The largest summer ski slope in North America stretches over 112 acres (45 hectares) and 685 vertical feet (209 vertical meters) of mogul lanes and groomers. From June 5 through July 30, skiers leapfrog Whistler's lower lifts then ride the Horstman and Showcase T-bars ($47 a day). The coaches, pros, and aficionados at Camp of Champions ($968 for five days; www.campofchampions.com ) preside over the new age of skiing and snowboarding in this halfpipe and terrain park. The Freebie : A 160-foot (49-meter) bungee jump is included with Camp of Champions entry. The Ski Break : The Mountain Bike Park boasts 124 miles (200 kilometers) of lift- serviced downhill trails, three skill centers, and a BikerCross course ($35 a day). The Digs : While the Hearthstone Lodge's studio rooms ($129; 800 663 7711) in the heart of Whistler Village are simply appointed, it's all about location. Start Here : www.whistlerblackcomb.com NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 9. Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado An odd phenomenon takes place each November at Wolf Creek Ski Area: It snows like mad. Powder-starved skiers from New Mexico to Texas converge on the 1,600-vertical-foot (488-vertical-meter) ma-and-pa hill—85 miles (137 kilometers) east of Durango and 10,300 feet (3,139 meters) above sea level—to partake in the largest annual snowfall in Colorado. When CEO Davey Pitcher opened the hill on October 29, 2004, there was a 30-inch (76-centimeter) base at the summit, and he charged $38 a day for a lift ticket, versus the standard $43. Early birds should point their boards to the right side of the trail map for 500 acres (202 hectares) of open bowls, gullies, and glades served by six lifts. The First Run of the Season : Alberta Face, off the Treasure Chair, is the steepest shot with consistently ample coverage. The Digs : The western-style rooms at High Country Lodge ($75; www.highcountrylodge.com ); they're close to the hill, and breakfast is included. The Local Brew : Lizard Head Red Ale at the Bear Creek Saloon and Grill (+1 970 264 5611). Start Here : www.wolfcreekski.com 10. Mammoth Mountain, California Despite its stature as the big-draw slope for tens of thousands of California skiers, Mammoth still holds first tracks for half the day after an early season storm. Thanks to 477 acres (193 hectares) of snowmaking and a benevolent Mother Nature, the fourth largest resort in the U.S. is a sure bet for November turns. Follow the high traverse off the Face Lift Express chair to access some of the best early season runs on the lower half of Drop Out and Wipe Out. As the chutes fill in with snow, branch out to wide-open Scotty's and supersteep Huevos Grande. The Digs : You can't do better than one night and two free lift tickets at the Mammoth Mountain Inn ($92; www.mammothmountain.com/plan/lodging/mmi ), one of the cheapest, plushest ski packages in the eastern Sierra. The Après Soak : Plastic cups overfloweth at the gently burbling Hot Creek hot springs (+1 760 924 5500), off Highway 203, south of town. Start Here : www.mammothmountain.com Pick up the December 2005/January 2006 issue for our annual coverage of the best of adventure, your guide to everything cool with 15 sports trends, 14 astonishing adventurers, and 45 gear picks that rock. Subscribe to Adventure today and save 70 percent off the cover price! Sorry, your browser does not support iframes. This form is available here: subscription form mapXchange Free maps to use with TOPO! CD-ROMs Select U.S. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Michigan Mid-Atlantic:   DC, DE,   MD, VA, WV Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Mexico North Carolina North Dakota Northeast:   CT, MA, ME, NJ   NH, NY, RI, VT Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Washington Wisconsin Wyoming Adventurer's Handbook How to beach a kayak Select an Outdoor Tip Avoid an Avalanche Beach a Kayak Bike Up Steep   Trails Fight Altitude   Sickness Hike Lighter How to Swing   a Machete Keep Warm on   Frigid Hikes Leave No Trace Make Tastier Grub Paddle With Power Put on Your Skis Run Off-Road See More Fish   When Diving Stick to the Rock Ski Faster Swim Rapids Take Better Photos Telemark for Real Wipe Out on a Bike Survival Tips: Start a Fire Find Water Build Shelter Gather Food Signal for Help Pack a Survival   Bag Outdoor GearStore Buy the right gear right now Select Outdoor Gear Departments Men's Women's Shoes Backpacks Camping Climbing Gear Hiking Boots Ski Equipment Snowboards Snowshoes Adidas Arc'teryx Billabong Dakine Keen Merrell Shoes Mountain Hardwear Nike The North Face NRS Oakley Sunglasses Osprey Outdoor Research Patagonia Quiksilver Salomon More Brands Departments Men's Women's Shoes Backpacks Camping Climbing Gear Hiking Boots Ski Equipment Snowboards Snowshoes Adidas Arc'teryx Billabong Dakine Keen Merrell Shoes Mountain Hardwear Nike The North Face NRS Oakley Sunglasses Osprey Outdoor Research Patagonia Quiksilver Salomon More Brands

Vacation Club Check-in date

Hotel, resort and vacation information from Marriott.com Home International Sites Help Contact Us Site Map Welcome to Marriott.com Find & Reserve Specials & Packages Destinations Events & Meetings Marriott Rewards   Marriott's Look No Further ®  Best Rate Guarantee In a city Near an address Near an airport Along a route City State (USA only) Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Country Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada Cayman Islands Chile China Costa Rica Curacao Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt Fiji France Georgia Germany Greece Guam Guatemala Honduras Hungary India Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Lebanon Malaysia Mexico Netherlands Pakistan Panama Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Spain St. Kitts and Nevis Switzerland Thailand Trinidad & Tobago Tunisia Turkey United Arab Emirates United Kingdom USA Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands (US) Select a brand All brands Marriott Hotels & Resorts Renaissance Hotels Courtyard Residence Inn Fairfield Inn Conference Centers TownePlace Suites SpringHill Suites Marriott Vacation Club Check-in date Dec, 2005 Jan, 2006 Feb, 2006 Mar, 2006 Apr, 2006 May, 2006 Jun, 2006 Jul, 2006 Aug, 2006 Sep, 2006 Oct, 2006 Nov, 2006 Dec, 2006 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Check-out date Dec, 2005 Jan, 2006 Feb, 2006 Mar, 2006 Apr, 2006 May, 2006 Jun, 2006 Jul, 2006 Aug, 2006 Sep, 2006 Oct, 2006 Nov, 2006 Dec, 2006 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 No. of rooms 1 2 3 Guests/room 1 2 3 4 5 6 Need more rooms? Marriott Rewards number Use Marriott Rewards points Special Rates AAA Senior discount Government & military Corporate/ promotional code Search by hotel amenities Restaurant on site Room service Pets permitted High-speed Internet access Meeting space Airport shuttle Pool Beach Resort Spa Golf (on-site or nearby) Tennis Skiing No preference Look up reservations Search by hotel amenities Browse our hotel directory >>   Learn about our brands Our Family of Brands Marriott Hotels & Resorts JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts Renaissance Hotels & Resorts Courtyard Residence Inn Fairfield Inn Conference Centers TownePlace Suites SpringHill Suites Marriott Vacation Club Our Partner The Ritz-Carlton Corporate Apartments ExecuStay Executive Apartments Timeshare Vacations Marriott Villa Vacations offer spacious 2 & 3 bedroom villas with kitchens and all the comforts of home. Learn how GiftCards & Certificates   -- Share the gift of travel. Surprise them with golf, spa, dining, a weekend getaway ... at hotels around the globe. Customize your present >>   Marriott Corporate Incentives >> Our Online Store Buy plush bedding, bath, and spa products for your home >> Air, Car & More Find a flight >> Rent a car >> Save on a vacation package >> Events & Meetings -- Exceptional facilities and service, whether it's 5,000 conventioneers or an intimate family reunion. Marriott's meeting planning >> Inspiration for your special day. Marriott wedding planning >> Earn a free honeymoon. Rewarding weddings >>   Destinations -- -- restore your soul . -- Specials & Packages -- Three reasons to be thankful this holiday season:  • Packages to tempt every taste >> • Suite deals for families >> • 10% off weekend rates at participating Fairfield Inn Hotels >>   Sign up and enjoy double Marriott Rewards points through January 31 >> Stay in shape through the holidays with free in-room fitness >> More special offers >> Get specials via email >> Marriott Rewards -- Earn points or miles at more than 2,500 hotels worldwide. Join now >> Sign in to view your account >> Get a FREE night certificate with the Marriott Rewards Visa card. Apply now >> Elite member? Sign in to access Elite offers & rewards . So many ways to use Marriott Rewards points. Learn how >> International Sites Travel Agents Corporate Information Careers Help Contact Us Site Map © 1996 - 2005 Marriott International, Inc. All rights reserved. Marriott proprietary information. Terms of Use Internet Privacy Statement

Travel Guide

Thailand Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore Thailand Thailand Sun, tom yum and spiritual enlightenment. At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Events Transport Money General RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links More Places Check out our other destinations: Within Thailand Bangkok Chiang Mai Phuket View Map Click here Feature Attraction Ancient City Ancient City ( Meuang Boran ), south of Bangkok, is billed as the largest open-air museum in the world. Over 100 of Thailand's most impressive monuments ... more The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms. From the stupa-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, to the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River, Thailand offers something for every type of traveller. When To Go Thailand's monsoons arrive around July and last into November (the 'rainy season') and can be quite uncomfortable to deal with. This is followed by a dry, cool period from November to mid-February, followed by much higher relative temperatures from March to June. By far the best time to visit is from February to March when the weather is kind and the beaches are at their finest. The peak seasons are August, November,December, February and March, with secondarypeak months in January and July.If your main objective is to avoid crowdsand to take advantage of discounted roomsand low-season rates, you should considertravelling during the least crowded months(April, May, June, September and October).On the other hand it's not difficult to leavethe crowds behind, even during peak months,if you simply avoid some of the most populardestinations (eg, Chiang Mai and all islandsand beaches). Tsunami/Conflict in Southern Thailand Thailand's Andaman coast suffered damage and loss of life in the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004. While much of the area has now fully recovered, travellers are advised to keep checking our tsunami-specific information, stories and downloads at Tsunami Updates . The southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla should to be avoided due to indiscriminate bombing by suspected Muslim militants. Thailand's border with Myanmar contains a volatile mixture of land mines, bandits, smugglers and rebels, and is prone to occasional low-level military stoushes. Check the latest consular information for the most up-to-date information. Factoid Love your Ghosts Many Thai houses or buildings have spirit houses, which are places for the spirits ofthe site to live in. Without this vital structure you're likely to have the spirits living inthe house with you, which can cause all sorts of trouble. An average spirit house looks rather like abirdhouse-sized Thai temple mounted on a pedestal. A big hotel may have a shrine covering 100 sq m (1076 sq ft) or more.How do you ensure that the spirits take up residence in your spirit house rather than in the mainhouse with you? Mainly by making the spirit house a more auspicious place to live in than the mainbuilding, through daily offerings of food, flowers, candles and incense. The spirit house should alsohave a prominent location and should not be shaded by the main house. Thus its position has to beplanned from the very beginning and the house installed with due ceremony. If your own house isimproved or enlarged, the spirit house should be as well. 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